London  - The president of the International Cricket Council (ICC) Tuesday described the attack on the Sri Lanka cricket team in Pakistan as a "sad day for the sport and for mankind" but vowed that the game must go on.

"On many occasions we have been told that cricketers would not be targeted in Pakistan. This morning's events have proved that to be incorrect. But cricket must go on, it will go on. It's a great game," ICC president David Morgan said in London.

Morgan said there would now be a "great reluctance" for cricketers to play in Pakistan, but added that the security situation in Pakistan could change.

"We mustn't believe Pakistan is going to remain unsafe for ever and ever," said Morgan.

"The attack has completely changed the landscape, it has changed the landscape full stop," Morgan said at a news conference at Lords cricket ground.

Nonetheless, the game still provided "solace and entertainment" for many people around the world. dpa